Respiratory Therapist

Associate Degree Program - Harrisburg

Respiratory therapists provide the hands-on care that helps people recover from a wide range of medical conditions. Therapists get to know their patients, and their patients’ families, and have the opportunity to help them through trying times. Whenever breathing is an issue, they are there. Entry-level graduates are eligible to become a certified respiratory therapist (CRT) after completion of the national credentialing examination. An advanced practitioner graduate is eligible to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT).

REQUIRED VIEWING PRIOR TO MEETING WITH PROGRAM DIRECTOR:

Respiratory Therapist AARC "Life and Breath" video (Windows Media) (This video is required viewing for RESP students)
Health Careers Orientation
- Overview of Health Career Professions
- Academic Overview

AARC Career website containing Life and Breath and several other terrific videos showing the roles and responsibilities of respiratory care practitioners and interviews with real-life therapists.

About the program - curriculum and costs

Admission Criteria and Essential Qualifications (pdf) (revised 9/09)
Program accreditation
Who to contact

Be an RT (printable flier- pdf)

Respiratory care practitioners work under the direction of a physician and assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. In the area of diagnosis, respiratory care practitioners (RCP’s) measure the capacity of a patient’s lungs to determine if there is impaired function. They draw and analyze blood specimens to determine the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases in order to assess the best course of treatment for a particular patient. Once diagnosed, the RCP is responsible for treating patients and providing therapy that will help them recover their lung function. RCP’s also employ mechanical ventilation for treating patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own and administer medications in aerosol form to help alleviate breathing problems and help prevent respiratory infections. Respiratory therapists may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, potentially hazardous materials and ionizing radiation.

Respiratory care practitioners must be sensitive to the needs of patients who have serious physical impairments. They work well as members of the health care team and have superior communication skills to deal with other members of the health care team, patients, and their families. Attention to details and the ability to follow instructions carefully are prerequisites for respiratory care practitioners.

Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals where they perform intensive care, critical care, and neonatal procedures. They are also typically a vital part of the hospital’s lifesaving response team that handles patient emergencies. Respiratory therapists function effectively as members of the health care team; think critically; and have excellent communication skills.

Places of Employment and Outlook - Excellent. In the top 20 fastest growing occupations requiring post-secondary or associate degree training in Pennsylvania 2002-2012.Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care agencies are the primary employment opportunities.

Salary Range for Geographical Area - $54,831 median salary for Registered Respiratory Therapists in Harrisburg (using 17110) from salary.com April 2009.

Educational Advancement - Graduates are employable after completion of the program. There are several opportunities for graduates to obtain a bachelor's degree, but this is not a requirement for employment. Franklin University offers a BS in Healthcare Management and Shippensburg University offers a BS in Healthcare Administration. Immaculata University offers an accelerated BA in Health Care Management (classes in accelerated format and held at HACC's Lancaster Campus).